ECE

This course introduces students to the Child Development Associate Credentialing process and provides comprehensive instruction in early childhood education/child development. Students will begin development of a professional resource file and practice strategies for observing and recording children?s behavior. At the conclusion, students will have satisfied 60 hours of the 120 hours of formal training required by the CDA National Credentialing Program. Students are expected to be employed, or to volunteer, either full-or- part-time, in a child care center, preschool or pre-kindergarten program. The course is required for the Child Care Certificate and can be applied to the A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education as a substitute for ECE 201, Introduction to Early Childhood Education.

This course helps students expand their knowledge of the Child Development Associate Credentialing process and provides comprehensive instruction in early childhood education/child development. Students will develop skills in planning curriculum for preschoolers and complete their professional resource file. The course offers 60 contact hours of formal training. Combined with ECE 100, CDA Workshop I, students will satisfy the 120 contact hours of formal training, as required by the CDA National Credentialing System. Students are expected to be employed, or to volunteer, either full- or-part-time, in a child care center, preschool or pre-kindergarten program. This course is required for the Child Care Certificate and can be applied to the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education as a substitute for ECE 211, Early Childhood Curriculum.

Students are either placed, or expected to be employed, at a child care center, school or site that provides care and education to children. Students will demonstrate competence in assisting the regular classroom teacher and gradually assume the responsibilities of a ?group teacher.? Students will plan and implement activities that are appropriate to both the age and developmental level of the children. This course is required for the Child Care Certificate and can be applied to the A.A.S. degree program in Early Childhood Education as equivalent to ECE 231, Early Childhood Education Externship I.

An introduction to the field of early childhood care and education, core knowledge is introduced in the areas of child development theory, a healthy, safe environment, developmentally-appropriate curriculum, child guidance, family relationships, cultural and individual diversity and professionalism. Students will understand the importance of early childhood education as part of the whole educational process. Pre-or Corequisite: ENG 101(This course meets one of the required components of the New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential.)

In this course, students extend their understanding of early childhood education. Emphasis will be on planning programs and activities that are developmentally-appropriate for children ages birth through eight. To help in understanding and meeting the needs of different age groups, developmental characteristics for each age group will be related to planning, curriculum, and general expectations. Students will develop themes and lesson plans, construct learning materials, and collect ideas for interest areas and activities.

Students will develop curricula based on a few important principles. The approach is a practical one, with opportunity to gather a wide repertoire of ideas, as students experience creative and cooperative learning practices. Field trips to museums and places of interest are required.

Students will acquire knowledge, skills and dispositions in using individual and group guidance and problem-solving techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children. Methods will be practiced in promoting positive strategies of conflict resolution, and in developing personal self-control, self-motivation and positive self-esteem for the child, ages birth to eight.

Students will learn how children acquire communication skills, and how teachers can strengthen children?s natural explorations of speaking, listening, writing and reading. Whole language, the natural approach and emerging literacy will be presented. The goal is for students to understand their role in helping children to become readers.

In this course, students learn to be reflective educators by documenting and assessing student learning, analyzing classroom management strategies, collecting information relating to instruction, and evaluating professional relations to support the process of teaching and learning. This course is a two-hour lecture for a full semester and complements the field work requirements of the courses in the A.A.S. Early Childhood degree program.

Course materials and class activities will provide a means for students to develop an appreciation for diversity. Attitudes will be examined, along with the development of knowledge of culture, gender, social class awareness, and physical differences. Strategies for valuing children will prepare future teachers for teaching with dignity in a diverse world. Students will practice, via class discussion, role play, and other process-oriented techniques, the infusion of an anti-biased perspective in all curriculum areas.

This course focuses on the ways early experiences and relationships impact infants and toddlers from birth to age 3, emphasizing infant/toddler mental health, risk and resiliency, family-centered practice, social-emotional development, supportive families, parenting, and the influences of cultural diversity. Students participate in 12 additional hours of observation outside of class time.

This course involves the study of policies, guidelines, and procedures of providing high quality care in safety, health, nutrition, and special needs for children from birth to age three. Topics include creating and maintaining safe indoor/outdoor learning environments, emergency response procedures, promoting health and preventing illnesses, providing and fostering good nutrition, and recognizing, understanding, and supporting children with special needs. Developmentally appropriate materials, practices, and activities are discussed as they relate to infant toddlers' safety, health, nutrition and needs.

This course is an introduction to the practice of caring for infants and toddlers in a group care setting. Students will become familiar with child development, the role of caregivers, developmentally-appropriate curriculum and materials associated with the care of infants and toddlers. Students will explore the importance of developing positive relationships with culturally diverse parents and communities. The course will involve students in observations, group discussions and projects, material-making, and reviewing infant and toddler policies and practices. Field work requirement is 12 hours of observations. Prerequisite: ENG 101 (This course meets one of the required components of the New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential.)

The Externship courses in the Early Childhood Education Program are designed to allow the student to develop professional standards and practical skills in an early childhood setting. This course will provide the student opportunity to gain first-hand experience and learn the process of integrating knowledge skills and techniques with teaching practice. Students work or volunteer in 120-hour field experience at a child care center, school or site that provides care and education to children. They are expected to perform the required professional tasks of assisting the regular classroom teacher in implementing the center?s child development and activity program, and to gradually assume the responsibilities of a ?group teacher.? Under the direction and supervision of the regular classroom teacher, the student will plan and implement activities that are appropriate to both the age and developmental level of the children.

A sequential continuation of ECE 231, Early Childhood Education Externship I, this course will provide the student opportunity to gain firsthand experience and learn the process of integrating knowledge skills and techniques with teaching practice. Students are placed in a field experience at a child care center, school or site that provides care and education to children. They are expected to perform the required professional tasks of assisting the regular classroom teacher in implementing the center?s child development and activity program, and to gradually assume the responsibilities of a ?group teacher.? Under the direction and supervision of the regular classroom teacher, the student will plan and implement activities that are appropriate to both the age and developmental level of the children. Students will work or volunteer 120 hours at the externship site in fulfillment of course requirements.